Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef discusses the county budget in New City Oct. 23. Rockland faces a multi-million dollar budget deficit.

Written by

Derickson K. Lawrence

Fitch Ratings, the credit-rating agency, said there would be "no fiscal honeymoon" for President Barack Obama, warning recently that the U.S. probably would lose its AAA credit rating if the White House and Congress don't address looming tax increases and spending cuts - the fiscal cliff - and the fast-approaching debt ceiling.

Those deadlines coupled with penalties exacted by the stock market will bring a much-needed sense of urgency to address the fiscal cliff and our national debt. Below the radar, however, and just as compelling, if not more painful to communities across the country, ...